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CRISPR and Delicious Creating more robust food systems that are less resource-intensive, less harmful to animals, and friendlier to the planet is absolutely imperative to meet the demands of this growing population. In this Point of View article ERS Genomics' Cillian McGorman discusses how gene editing is transforming the future of food.

I had a great time this morning speaking at the Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum conference on next steps for gene editied food in England alongside many excellent speakers, including Session Chairs Jack A Bobo and Natalie Bennett. I was sorry not to be able to stay for the second half. In my talk, I asked 'what should, if anything, gene editing do for us?'. The closing parts of my remarks are below: "We have a fantastic opportunity with emergent agricultural innovations, including gene editing, not to do more, faster – but to do different, better. New technology could help transform agri-food systems towards fundamentally more sustainable models, rather than simply tweaking the status quo. As the report by A Bigger Conversation shows, agroecological farmers (not always part of conversations like this one in which farmers as a heterogeneous group are represented by few representatives) are not anti-technology. The same is true of members of the public, so well-articulated by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics in their report into gene editing in livestock. If we include a diverse range of stakeholder views beyond the usual suspects, we end up with very considered assessments of the role, if any, of gene editing in our food system. This enables us to develop better policies that go beyond a narrow focus on how we can have gene editing faster; but rather ask how policy instruments can ensure that gene editing and/or alternative solutions benefit all people, all of the environment, and all those involved in producing food. Ultimately, we need to get better at asking not just what gene editing ‘can’ do’ for us, but what it ‘should’ do." You can read the words of my talk here: https://lnkd.in/efQNUakR Alex Hardie School of Sustainable Food and Farming @ Harper Adams University Harper Adams University Andy Lewis

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗚𝗘): 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗲? Gene editing is a groundbreaking technology with vast potential to reshape our world for the better, yet it presents crucial ethical and regulatory dilemmas. On one hand, gene editing can revolutionize agriculture by creating more resilient and nutritious crops, addressing global issues like food security and climate change. In healthcare, it promises to eradicate genetic diseases and enhance nutrition. However, its benefits must be weighed against the need to protect biodiversity and the environment. Robust, globally consistent regulations are essential, yet fragmented regulatory frameworks pose challenges—especially for developing countries. There's also concern that gene editing could deepen existing inequalities. Whether gene editing becomes a friend or foe hinges on how it is developed, regulated, and applied. By approaching this technology with caution, compassion, and a focus on the greater good, we can harness its transformative potential for a just, sustainable, and healthier world. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 ➔ Develop resilient and nutritious crops to combat food insecurity and climate change. ➔ Revolutionize healthcare by eliminating genetic diseases and improving nutrition. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 ➔ Address ethical concerns regarding potential impacts on biodiversity and the environment. ➔ Implement robust, consistent regulations, as the current fragmented landscape poses risks, especially in developing regions. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 Gene editing can be both a friend and a foe, depending on how responsibly it is utilized. A careful, principled approach is essential to maximizing benefits while minimizing risks. Applied responsibly, GE can be a vital tool for creating a fairer, more sustainable, and healthier world. Stay updated on global gene editing regulations and progress (https://lnkd.in/e8cjxiVG) My lab mate SHALINI ETUKURI (a recipient of the FFAR Fellows Program: Future Leaders for Food & Agriculture) and I delivered a guest lecture today on gene editing for crop enhancement, where we highlighted the significant strides achieved in our research. What are the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of gene editing you've heard about? #GeneEditing #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience #HealthcareInnovation #EthicalTech #Biodiversity #ResponsibleInnovation #ElevateYourProfessionalPresenceWith_Amaka

Have you read our latest article published in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News? Our Business Development and Product Manager, Cillian McGorman, discusses how #geneediting is transforming the future of food and applications of #crisprcas9 across the food industry. Read it here: https://shorturl.at/bKX26 

CRISPR/Cas9 edited SlGT30 improved both drought resistance and fruit yield through endoreduplication 🧪 There is a trade-off between yield and resistance due to gene pleiotropy, making it challenging to develop superior traits via gene editing. 🔬 This study hypothesized that editing the trihelix transcription factor SlGT30 using CRISPR/Cas9 could improve drought resistance and fruit development in tomatoes. 🌱🍅 📊 The CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of SlGT30 in tomatoes resulted in decreased stomata density 🌿 and reduced water loss 💧 in leaves, leading to enhanced drought resistance. 🌵 In fruits, both cell size and number increased, resulting in larger and heavier fruits. 🍅 This gene editing affected cell ploidy through the endoreduplication pathway, impacting overall plant development. 📈 📩 The SlGT30 gene plays a critical role in regulating both drought resistance 🌵 and fruit yield 🍅 in tomatoes. Gene editing of SlGT30 not only improves drought tolerance by reducing stomatal density 🌿 and water loss 💧 but also enhances fruit size and weight, indicating its potential as a target for breeding drought-tolerant and high-yield tomato varieties. 🌱🌾 🔍 Future research should focus on further exploring the molecular mechanisms of SlGT30 in regulating endoreduplication and its broader impact on other agronomic traits. 🧬 Additionally, investigating the application of SlGT30 editing in other crop species could validate its potential in broader agricultural contexts. 🌾 Developing strategies to balance growth and stress resistance traits through targeted gene editing can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture. 🌿🌎 https://lnkd.in/gYDMwdHT

CRISPR and Delicious:-ERS Genomics discusses how gene editing is transforming the future of food- •The United Nations predicts that there will be an additional 2.2 billion people on the planet by 2050. •To help feed the growing population, the food industry must overcome several critical challenges, from the amount of arable land available for growing crops and the environmental demands of agriculture to the ethical considerations surrounding the consumption of meat. •Creating food products from mammalian, plant, or microbial cells rather than whole organisms is increasingly being seen as an important part of the solution to this challenge. •CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing will be vital to achieving this goal, allowing synthetic biologists to uncover the genetics underpinning relevant cellular processes and pathways, edit these genes, and then optimize cell lines for the bioproduction of food. 1.Bringing cultured meat to the mass market:-Although vegetarian and vegan diets have risen in popularity over the years, humankind’s appetite for meat is still insatiable. By 2031, it is estimated that the global demand for meat will rise by 15%, adding to an already substantial environmental burden. •However, the cultured meat industry’s ability to overcome the global food supply challenges and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional meat is largely dependent on the feasibility of scaling up production. •Despite the challenges of scaling, some companies are managing to prove the critics wrong. For example, Meatable has improved the bioproduction of its cells over the past few years in order to reach economic viability, thanks in no small part to CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. By combining the rapid proliferation properties of pluripotent stem cells with bit.bio’s opti-ox technology for precise cell differentiation control, Meatable has managed to cut its production time from three weeks to eight days—figures previously unheard of in the industry. 2. No crying over CRISPR milk:-Meat might be the most high-profile use of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in the food industry, but there are plenty of others to sink our teeth into.For example, CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to engineer bacteria and yeast to produce the casein and whey, the principle protein components of milk. These proteins are then combined with other ingredients, such as water, sugars, and fats, to create the familiar white stuff. 3.Yummy yeasts and fermented flavors:-CRISPR genome engineering has also been used in various yeast strains to take food and drink production to the next level.For example, a Belgian team used CRISPR-Cas9 to overcome the impact of high pressures on the flavor of beer, a common side effect of upscaling fermentation. To do this, they created a gene alteration in a yeast strain that not only enhanced its flavor profile, but also increased its ability to tolerate carbon dioxide pressure. •Gene editing can also be used to synthesize new food flavorings.

Genomics Applications: Transforming Healthcare and Agriculture 🌱💊🧬 Genomics is revolutionizing various fields, including healthcare and agriculture, by leveraging genetic information to enhance drug discovery, improve diagnostics, and develop resilient crops. Get Free Sample PDF Here: https://lnkd.in/deMZrskq 🔸 In Drug Discovery, genomics is reshaping how researchers identify and develop new therapies. By understanding the genetic variations linked to diseases, scientists can create targeted treatments that are more effective and personalized. The integration of genomic data accelerates the identification of new drug candidates and streamlines clinical trials, ultimately ensuring faster access to innovative treatments for patients. 🔸In the realm of Diagnostics, genomic technologies are unlocking the secrets of health by enabling early detection of diseases such as cancers and genetic disorders. Advanced sequencing techniques allow healthcare professionals to analyze an individual’s DNA, identifying mutations and biomarkers associated with various conditions. This proactive approach facilitates timely interventions and personalized treatment plans, leading to improved patient outcomes. 🔸In Agriculture, genomics plays a crucial role in enhancing crop resilience. By utilizing genomic data, researchers can develop crops that are more resilient to environmental stresses, pests, and diseases. This capability not only ensures food security but also promotes sustainable farming practices, reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Enhanced crop varieties can lead to increased yields and improved agricultural sustainability, benefiting both farmers and consumers. ✳️ Key Benefits Across Applications: ✔️ Precision and Personalization: Tailored approaches in medicine and agriculture based on genetic insights. ✔️ Faster Development and Early Detection: Accelerated drug discovery and timely diagnostics. ✔️ Sustainability and Resilience: Promoting environmentally friendly practices and enhancing food security. In summary, genomics is a powerful tool that is transforming drug discovery, diagnostics, and agriculture, paving the way for a healthier future and a more sustainable world. #genomics #drugdiscovery #diagnostics #agriculture

CRISPR and yeasts A Genetic Editing Revolution from Human Health to Yeast Innovation In recent years, a groundbreaking technology has been reshaping the landscape of genetics, offering unprecedented opportunities for advancements in medicine, agriculture, and beyond. This technology is known as CRISPR, an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Initially discovered as a naturally occurring defense mechanism in bacteria, CRISPR has been adapted by scientists into a powerful tool for precisely editing the DNA of organisms, ranging from humans to yeasts. What is CRISPR? CRISPR is a technique that allows geneticists to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding, or altering sections of the DNA sequence. It works by using a special protein called Cas9, guided by a piece of RNA designed to match the DNA sequence being targeted. This system can cut the DNA at specific locations, allowing natural DNA repair processes to add or delete pieces of genetic material or to make changes to the DNA. The Significance of CRISPR The implications of CRISPR technology are vast and varied. In human health, it holds the promise for treating genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and even some forms of cancer. By correcting genetic defects at their source, CRISPR could offer lasting solutions to diseases that were previously considered incurable. Beyond human health, CRISPR is also transforming agricultural science. Scientists are using it to create crops that are more resilient, nutritious, and easier to grow, addressing food security challenges around the world. But one of the most exciting applications of CRISPR is perhaps in the realm of microbiology, particularly in the modification of yeasts. CRISPR and Yeasts: A Match Made in the Laboratory Yeasts are unicellular fungi that play crucial roles in various industries, most famously in baking and brewing. However, their importance extends much further, into biofuel production, pharmaceuticals, and even waste management. CRISPR technology has opened up new avenues for yeast research and application, making it possible to engineer yeast strains with desirable traits that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve. For instance, scientists have successfully used CRISPR to modify yeast strains to produce bioethanol more efficiently, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In the pharmaceutical industry, engineered yeasts are being developed to produce insulin and other vital drugs, making the production process more cost-effective and accessible. The Future is Now As we stand on the brink of a new era in genetic engineering, CRISPR offers a glimpse into a future where the boundaries of what is possible are continually expanding. Through the precise and thoughtful application of this technology, we have the opportunity to craft a better world for generations to come. https://buff.ly/3JgH4Jz

"If you were to do it all over again, what would you do?" I was asked this during a graduate student lunch. After a minute of thought, I answered, "Molecular Gastronomy - you still have applied science aimed at food, and not drugs." Here is an interesting example of systems biology applied to cutting edge food biotechnology: * Use edible Aspergillus fungi as host for genetic engineering of flavors and colorants for food. * Create a Crispr Cas9 gene editing tool box so multiple genes can be easily removed or replaced to create desired molecules, hemoglobin for example. * Engineer enzymes that boost the output of anti oxidants and other desired molecules to create new tastes and textures. " Though this work is just the beginning of the journey to tap into fungal genomes to create new foods, it showcases the huge potential of these organisms to serve as easy-to-grow protein sources that avoid the complex ingredients lists of current meat substitutes and the cost barriers and technical difficulties hindering the launch of cultured meat. Additionally, the team's gene editing toolkit is huge leap forward for the field of synthetic biology as a whole. " ----- Disclaimer - Views expressed here are of the Author only. https://lnkd.in/ezPe9WMp

🌱🧬💡 NGTs: Unveiling the Future of Agrifood Biotech: Our latest blog post takes you on a journey through the world of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and their potential impact on the agrifood industry. From the science behind NGTs 🧪🌿 to the debates surrounding their use 🙊🙉, we presents an objective look at the potential benefits and challenges of NGTs: ▹ Approval of NGT1s at the European Parliament 🇪🇺🏛️ on Feb 7th 2024, and how it differs from NGT2s, which are still regulated as GMOs . ▹ The groundbreaking CRISPR-Cas9 method 👩🔬🦠, which earned Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. ▹ The diverse range of new genomic techniques🧬✂️, including CRISPR-Cas-9, Talens, and Tale motifs. ▹ Real-world examples of successful crop varieties 🍅🌽 and end products developed using NGTs. ▹ The role of data technology 📊👩💻 in leveraging plant breeding with NGTs to maximize their potential. 👉 Dive into our blog post by @laure gry, an experienced journalist and agromomist 👩🏻🌾🎤, for a deeper understanding. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eErezawd Remember, every comment, like, and share helps spread the word. Let’s start the conversation! 🗨️ #genomics #foodsafety #agtech